Read more from the Spreading Roots conference
At the Spreading Roots Conference two Fridays ago, I attended a talk that focused on two examples from my city - Roncesvalles Renewed and the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park Adopt-A-Tree program. A packed room got to meet the women behind these projects - Mary Wiens and Michelle McLean, who spoke candidly about their experiences and what they learned along the way. As someone who lives in downtown Toronto, I'm able to see the direct effects each time I walk through Bellwoods or visit the delicious delis along Roncy, but it was interesting to hear from these forces of change themselves.
Mary started off by joking about her response to an ad in the local paper. Advertised was an initial meeting for anyone interested in tackling tree issues on Roncy - but apart from the person who had placed the ad, Mary was the only one who showed up!
“It’s important to not fear the numbers you start with,” Mary said. And after Roncesvalles Renewed collaborated with the Roncesvalles Village BIA, momentum started to build and interest in their efforts swelled. Michelle agreed and stressed the importance of strategic partnerships, saying their Councillor has made Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park the go-to group.
“Move forward constructively so you’ve formed relationships instead of a fight,” Mary said with a grin as both women made it clear how important it is not to lose your cool when working towards change. "It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects, rather than the positive outcomes you’re working towards."
I’ve seen this first hand, as wonderful people can turn aggressive as they approach key players - such as councillors and other city officials - in person or in easy-to-misinterpret emails. But what is it they say? Honey is sweeter (and gets you farther) than vinegar - and the partnerships you form in your community are extremely important in moving your work forward.
Roncesvalles Renewed worked closely with their BIA, three other residents’ associations, city officials, and of course, local citizens before things really took off . The lesson here is to strive to keep the building of relationships a priority, even if the people you approach aren’t willing to jump on board right away. Positive and organized communications will go a long way in giving your group credibility.
As a Tree Tenders grad, Michelle acquired the tools to take on the Adopt-A-Tree program early and never stopped learning. I encourage you to share your leafy learning experiences with the province-wide Urban Forest Stewardship Network where ideas like the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods’ Park Adopt-A-Tree program are discussed and celebrated. The capacity building that takes place when stories like this are shared is not only inspirational but essential to the success of future projects. Can you think of any successful community iniatives that you have taken part in?